Selective copper-promoted cross-coupling reaction of anilines and alkylboranes

Extension of the Chan–Lam N-alkylation of anilines by using alkylboranes as organoboron partners is reported. Alkylboranes, synthesized by hydroboration of styrenes, are effectively coupled with anilines, which comprises a facile method for the synthesis of highly functionalized phenethylaniline derivatives. This is the first time that alkylboranes are used in C–N copper-promoted cross-coupling reactions.